This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:50 Meet at the hotel
- 10:00 Take JR to Miyajimaguchi
- 10:27 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
- 10:40 Take the ferry to Miyajima
- 10:50 Arrive at Miyajima
- Shrine Daishoin Omotesando
- 13:30 Finish sightseeing in Miyajima
- 13;40 Take the ferry to Miyajimaguchi
- 13:50 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
- 14:00 Take JR to Hiroshima Station
- 14:30 Arrive at Hiroshima Station
- Guide to Okonomiyaki restaurant Denko Sekka and disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:50 at hotel and ended at 13:30. The day ran to 3 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Take JR to Miyajimaguchi at 10:00, Miyajimaguchi Station at 10:27, Take the ferry to Miyajima at 10:40, Miyajima at 10:50, Miyajimaguchi at 13:50, Take JR to Hiroshima Station at 14:00 and Hiroshima Station at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station by train (420JPY); Miyajimaguchi Station to Hiroshima Station by train (420JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 840JPY per person.
What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group visiting from North America on a private tour of Hiroshima. The guests had been staying in Hiroshima since the previous day and had already visited the main sightseeing spots in the city. Because they showed strong interest in the carp at Shukkeien Garden, I took the opportunity to explain that the carp is a symbol of Hiroshima, and that Hiroshima Castle is affectionately known by the alternate name "Carp Castle" (Rijo). I also shared that the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team took its name from this "Carp Castle."
In addition, drawing on the carp's habit of swimming upstream against strong currents, I introduced the Chinese legend of the "Dragon Gate," in which a carp that successfully climbs a waterfall transforms into a dragon.
Because the guests were very knowledgeable about and deeply familiar with Japanese culture, the explanations went very smoothly.
At Henjokutsu Cave, I was asked about the tanuki (raccoon dog) figures. Since I was told that there was a strong interest in superstitions, I explained that the sound of "tanuki" is associated with a play on words meaning "to surpass others," so it is revered as a lucky animal for succeeding over others in business and competition. I also explained that this is why tanuki figures are often placed at the entrances of restaurants and shops.
I heard that a family member works in Japan, and that the guests visit Japan about once every two years. Because they knew Japan very well, I was able to guide them very smoothly.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Miyajimaguchi Station～Hiroshima Station | 420JPY |
| Total | 840JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 9:50, and the tour finished at sightseeing in Miyajima at 13:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 9:50 to 13:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Take JR to Miyajimaguchi, Miyajimaguchi Station, Take the ferry to Miyajima, Miyajima, Miyajimaguchi, Take JR to Hiroshima Station and Hiroshima Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 840JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
The guide is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hiroshima itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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Sep 25, 2025
pedropM3071GD
Amazing day trip
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing experience to…
Sep 25, 2025
pedropM3071GD
Amazing day trip
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing experience to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima. Your guide Yoshi was the
best, very knowledgeable and just a great person. Thanks!!
Jul 25, 2025
ourtravelingt
Great personalized tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour was fabulous and our…
Jul 25, 2025
ourtravelingt
Great personalized tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour was fabulous and our guide Yoshi made the transfers around Miyajama and
Hiroshima seamless. Yoshi was very knowledgeable and had his own personal story about
Hiroshima that was amazing to hear. Would definitely recommend
Jul 13, 2025
katherinepE2305IO
Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…
Jul 13, 2025
katherinepE2305IO
Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an amazing guide. He adapted the tour to suit our family and was very
knowledgeable. We experienced many areas of Hiroshima that we would not have found
ourselves with a guide. Would highly recommend.
Jul 7, 2025
Preston_H
Great tour guide!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an incredible guide who…
Jul 7, 2025
Preston_H
Great tour guide!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an incredible guide who provided a fluid and flexible tour for our family. He was
able to provide a very unique perspective to our family with regards to the history that
surrounds Hiroshima. Definitely recommend Yoshi as a guide!